Research

Drug news: Obese patients who received a prescription weight-loss drug in combination with diet and lifestyle changes were less likely to develop diabetes than those who only changed their diet, a recent study shows.

Over four years, patients with impaired glucose tolerance who received orlistat (marketed as Xenical) were 45 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than patients who received a placebo and changed their diets.

Patients with metabolic syndrome who received orlistat were 36 percent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

The study was conducted at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Type 2 diabetes, which is linked to obesity, makes up more than 90 percent of the estimated 16 million diabetes cases in the United States.

Nutrition

Gotta have it: Food cravings aren't all in your head, says Karen Collins, a registered dietitian with the American Institute for Cancer Research.

Depressed mood and low blood sugar can put carb-cravers in the mood for a sugar or pasta fix, Collins says.

Carbohydrates trigger the release of endorphins, "feel-good" neurochemicals produced by the brain.

And as the body tries to normalize blood sugar levels, dieters might find themselves craving sweets.

Nutrient deficiencies might also trigger cravings: Lack of magnesium could trigger a yen for chocolate, for example, some experts theorize.

Hormonal changes also prompt cravings.

If mood is the culprit, eat a small amount of what you want along with a balanced meal.

If blood sugar is the culprit, eat small, regular meals throughout the day to keep sugar levels stable.

Tips

On the clock: www.Justmove.org, the American Heart Association's fitness Web site, offers these ideas for working out at work:

• Brainstorm ideas while taking a walk.

• Stand while talking on the telephone.

• Take the stairs.

• Walk while waiting for your flight at the airport.

• Join the company softball team, or start one yourself.

• Join a fitness center near the office and exercise before or after work to avoid rush hour.

Help wanted

Attention runners: The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons is conducting an online survey about running programs, techniques, instruction and injuries to determine which injuries are most prevalent among men and women. To participate, log on to www.aaos.org and click on the "On Your Mark, Get Set, Go! 2003 AAOS Running Survey" link. Deadline to respond is July 31.

Shelf help

New release: The Bikini Diet (Berkley; $5.99) by Maggie Greenwood-Robinson offers a low-calorie plan that relies on food combinations for its promise to reduce fat from the stomach and thighs in 30 days.

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Contact Peggy O'Farrell by phone, 768-8510; fax, 768-8330, or e-mail, pofarrell @enquirer.com